commentary by Patrick H. Moore
I’m sure that those of us who periodically enter 7-Elevens, Quik-Stops and mini-markets of any kind have had the experience of waiting in line while hardworking souls slow things down to buy their lottery tickets. Because I’m neurotic and am always in a rush, I gnash my teeth (just slightly) and try to wait patiently. I personally have not made it my practice to buy lottery tickets because I’m too cheap, but am currently reassessing this position based on what just happened to Timothy Dale Poole, a 43-year-old, 6 foot, 450 pound, convicted Florida sex offender.
Ed Mazza reports for the Huffington Post that Mr. Poole, who was arrested in 1999 and accused of sexual battery on a 9-year-old, “has won $3 million in the Florida lottery.”
When you hit it big in the Florida lottery you have the option of receiving your money in a single lump sum or in payments. The Orlando Sentinel reports that “Poole (who) won the $3 million in the state lottery’s Super Millions scratch-off game, (is) electing to receive the money in the form of a one-time lump-sum payment of $2,219,807.90.”
I believe that when you elect to receive the money all in one fell swoop, you get hit with some hellacious taxes, but even so I would think that Mr. Poole will walk away with somewhat over a Cool Million.
The history of Mr. Poole’s alleged sex offense is as follows:
At the time of his arrest in 1999, Poole was “accused of sexual battery on a 9-year-old.” Poole has always adamantly denied the charges (which is perhaps not unusual in folks of this ilk), but it appears that the evidence against him may not have been rock-solid; in any event, his lawyer was able to bargain the charge down “to attempted sexual battery”. He received a 13-month sentence but got himself in a bit of a jam when he missed his mandatory sex offender counseling sessions, which resulted in him being sent back to prison for 3 years.
On the Florida website for registered sex offenders, Poole’s status is listed as “Released — Subject to Registration” which the state describes as:
“No longer under any form of confinement, supervision or any other court imposed sanction. Still required to register in accordance with Florida law.”
Poole is likely to be listed as a sex predator in Florida state records for the rest of his life and perhaps even after he no longer graces this earth with his presence.
Although Poole’s alleged sex offense may have been an isolated instance, based on the information available, it is evident that he is far from an angel. According to the Orlando Sentinel, “he’s been arrested 12 times on charges that include grand theft and forging a check.” He also reportedly served 90 days in 1996.
Thus, on balance, at least in his youth, he appears to have been a habitual petty criminal, with the exception of the far more serious sexual assault.
Given his criminal history, the Florida Lottery, not wishing to be associated with this kind of fellow, has reportedly removed Poole’s name and photo from the lottery’s website, where, of course, winners are normally publicized in order to advertise the good luck that is eagerly awaiting those of us who have the good sense to purchase lottery tickets.
“We chose to not draw additional attention to this particular winner,” Shelly Gerteisen, communications manager for the Florida Lottery, told the paper.
Somewhat remarkably (though only to me), Poole resides in the Florida town of Mt. Dora, which is about 30 miles northwest of Orlando. My beloved paternal grandfather retired in Mt. Dora where he was a member of the “Honey Do” club, so-called because these good-natured, retired gentlemen had devoted wives who were allegedly constantly telling them “Honey Do This” and “Honey Do That”. My grandfather was handy and I’m sure he had no problem completing these endless and no doubt necessary tasks.
Although Poole “has been trying to avoid the media spotlight”, a friend named Floyd Snyder, who was with Poole when he won, “spoke to the local CBS affiliate.”
“He was flabbergasted. He couldn’t believe it,” Mr. Snyder told the station. Poole’s friend also said that Pools intends to put some of his windfall to good practical use by helping his mother expand her taxi business.
“He’s a very positive person. Very kind. Giving. I think that’s why he won,” Snyder said. “It’s Christmastime, and the dude deserves a break.”
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What to think? What to think? First, there appears to be no evidence that Poole has committed any further sexual assaults.
Second, his long litany of petty crimes probably mostly occurred when he was in his 20s. Thus, he may (I repeat “may”) no longer be a threat to society.
Third, I may need to reconsider my reluctance to buy lottery tickets. Who knows? Maybe even I could get “luck out” and hit the jackpot.